WRAPUP 1-Olympics-Torch ascends Great Wall, Bush to rebuke China

* Torch climbs a misty Great Wall on Games' eve

* Bush to rebuke China on human rights

* Athletes call for peaceful solution in Tibet

* Ronaldinho ready for Brazil's opening soccer match

By Paul Majendie and Andrew Cawthorne

BADALING, China, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Doves flew and confetti rained down as the Olympic torch was carried along the ancient Great Wall on a misty Thursday morning, the eve of Games that China hopes will demonstrate its modern-day strength.

Hours before flying to Beijing for Friday's opening ceremony, U.S. President George W. Bush will use some of his bluntest language yet in publicly pressing China on human rights.

And more than 40 athletes competing in the Games crossed the divide from sports to politics, urging China to solve problems in Tibet peacefully and protect freedom of speech and religion.

In Beijing, excitement is building as the tortuous and troubled torch relay draws to a close and the country's 1.3 billion people prepare for an opening ceremony likely to highlight China's ancient history and modern face.

"There have been problems with the torch but now is the time for the party," said Weng Chengyu, a 28-year-old student watching the torch parade on the Great Wall.

"You see all this?," he said, gesturing at thousands of yellow-clad volunteers dancing and waving flags as far as the eye could see. "This shows how much the Chinese love the Olympics."

Patriotic music blared out from loud speakers, echoing around the wall, and drums and cymbals thundered out a pounding beat.

The model of a giant dragon was crouched on one of the wall's watchtowers and, with the mountains behind, it looked like the backdrop for an ancient Chinese painting.

"We have travelled to so many cities from Olympia to the Great Wall, we have cried so many times, it is very emotional especially when you see the reaction of the Chinese crowds," said Xiaohong Lu, who accompanied the torch relay around the world.

Cheering crowds also celebrated on Wednesday night as China's women's soccer team won the first match of their Games, beating Sweden 2-1 in Tianjin, a cloaking mist doing nothing to dampen their enthusiasm.

Men's soccer begins on Thursday, with Ronaldinho intent on helping Brazil win a first gold medal. They play Belgium in Shenyang, and Ronaldinho said he was in good shape.